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Sunday, February 26, 2017

Pepperdine at UCLA

Birded all day from 8am, again braving the rain, so was absolutely exhausted by the time I arrived at UCLA(Red Knot and Bonaparte's Gull at Ballona creek middle jetty, and TUNDRA SWAN at Pierce College were notable finds today). And, I totally forgot the way to Sunset Court, headed to Sycamore Court lol and had to ask 2 students to finally get my bearing, embarrassing.

Just got to sit on the stand and who came up, La Voz de Tenis!! Sat right in front of me with two girls. Didn't really bother him because the match was played right in front of us, and I assumed I could say hello to him after the doubles finish. And didn't want to interrupt their 'family time(looked like his daughters?)'. But they left before the match finish, and couldn't spot them later on. Oh well, maybe I'll see him at ISC or something.

And, Alaina after her win was chatting with...was that Jill Craybas?!!(Luckily unlike Poorta, this time I was able to remember the name lol). What is she doing recently. Who's she coaching, or is she coaching for USTA.

Doubles competition

So I arrived late but thankfully only 3 games were elapsed. 'Only'? Nope I guess, in this ludicrous 6-game format. The score was quite tight though, but can't really form a coherent impression. Well who can lol.
Methinks most of them served well, or their serve returns was suspect.

Bruins were actually leading at first, but later Luisa dazzled as usual. Now when did WAATC finalist's ranking fall so low. By the way isn't ITA's ranking(especially team) ludicrous. What exactly do they do right, anyway.

3. Milovanovic/Lahey (PEP) def. Andrews/Wiley (UCLA) 6-3

Pretty much concentrated on this match, of course to see Gabby. Well, not bad, but not stellar either. The Bruins couldn't really gain advantage at the net, it was Lahey who made some fine net plays.

Luisa was pretty composed. Didn't rush much, didn't approach the net too often. Was prepared to rally with Luisa, which is probably possible in the first place due to her exceptional defensive ability lol. Her movement really is superb, once she made an impossible return on a drop shot by Ena, running across the net. So fast...!(well Ena put it back gently lol for the winner, but I can't think of anybody who can reach that distance aside from Luisa).
So probably the more solid player. Made some drive winners on the stretch as well.
Ena, well she was aggressive as usual, but some of her net plays seemed rushed. And, I don't think her serve was quite potent today. Can't remember her scoring an ace out-wide. Didn't really watch the 2nd set, had to watch other matches including Gabby's.

2. #25 Ashley Lahey (PEP) def. Terri Fleming (UCLA) 6-3, 6-4

Ashley too good. Drive condition seemed pretty good today. Exceptional flat hitting. Terri's defense is good, but Ashley probably overpowered to the win.
Again, watching Terri play #2, I'm absolutely traumatized that Meredith Xepoleas was stuck at #6 in her two seasons. I just can't understand the logic of it, only that it's an absolute stacking. What a waste of talent..

Couldn't really watch much, only the later 2nd set, but Mayar's condition didn't seem too good overall. Left after the 2nd set, when Luisa won(to avoid traffic of course, and was just darn too tired, what with the whole week of SD morning birding/attending ITF RSF)

4. Alaina Miller (UCLA) def. #51 Laura Gulbe (PEP) 6-3, 6-2

Alaina was ON today. Gosh...! Her orgasmic drive itself was worth the drive and the toil to finding the court lol. Laura is a good defender, but today Alaina was just too good, blasting at will.
I actually would've liked a matchup of Alaina vs Ashley. Now THAT match would be absolute gold, what with both being able to make winners at will!

5. Dzina Milovanovic (PEP) def. Gabby Andrews (UCLA) 7-5, 6-4

The score was actually tight despite my impression of the match. Could watch some of the 2nd set. Dzina was scoring winners at will. Gabby's drives weren't that bad, but my impression was that she isn't fit enough yet. She still defeated Mad Westby, no? And Dzina herself is a very good hitter anyway, so.... Give her time, I'm looking forward to what Gabby can do next season.

UCLA isn't bad. Just that Pepperdine this season is exceptional. They have just recruited so well for the last few years. Looking forward to next season, when they might contend for the Championship against each other.